The two words written on Allen Bradford's eye black Saturday night were also written across his heart: "I Promise."

Bradford made the promise to his father that he'd better both of their lives, and by trampling all over the Oregon State defense Saturday night in USC's 42-36 win at the Coliseum, he took some giant steps in that direction.

"I promised him one day he won't be working as hard as he's working, and he won't be living where he's living. It's just a motivational thing," Bradford said. "This was my first real big game in my college career. I believed in my o-line, and I just hit the hole hard and tried to keep my legs going."

Bradford carried the load for the Trojans, rushing for two touchdowns a career-high 147 yards on just 15 carries.